ISLAMABAD: Russia on Wednesday expressed its willingness to mediate between Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, offering diplomatic assistance amid heightened regional tensions.
Four Indian-Sponsored Khwarij Killed in Multiple CT Operations Across KP
Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev said Moscow stands ready to facilitate dialogue between Pakistan and its neighbours.
“We also share mutual concern about regional security, especially the situation in Afghanistan, and support continued cooperation to ensure peace, counter terrorism and contribute to social and economic development,” he said.
Khorev emphasised that Russia considers Pakistan an important regional partner, noting Islamabad’s significance in President Vladimir Putin’s “Greater Eurasian Partnership” initiative. He added that the proposal encourages regional actors to resolve regional problems, rather than relying on external powers.
The envoy observed that tensions between South Asian countries are “often provoked by external states.”
Pakistan welcomes mediation efforts
Islamabad has repeatedly appreciated diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions with Afghanistan. Earlier this month, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan welcomed Iran’s offer to mediate following clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan also expressed regret over the collapse of Qatar- and Turkiye-mediated peace talks with the Afghan Taliban after week-long skirmishes in October.
Pakistan–Afghanistan border clashes
The clashes erupted on October 12 when Taliban forces and their affiliated militants allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani border posts. Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes reportedly killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban fighters and associated militants. The Pakistan Armed Forces also carried out “precision strikes” deep inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul and Kandahar.
As many as 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom in the confrontations.
Islamabad has accused elements within the Afghan Taliban regime of allowing Indian influence to operate from Afghan territory. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said last month that “India started a proxy war against Pakistan using Kabul,” adding that the Afghan delegation involved in talks with Islamabad was “powerless” and that real control lay within Indian-penetrated power structures in Kabul.
Pakistan–India conflict in May
Relations with India have remained tense since the four-day conflict in May, which erupted after India conducted missile strikes inside Pakistan targeting civilian infrastructure under the claim of hitting “terrorist positions” following the Pahalgam attack.
Pakistan responded by downing multiple Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, and launched a series of large-scale retaliatory operations under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, striking over 20 Indian military sites. Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets also destroyed India’s S-400 air defence system in Adampur using hypersonic missiles.
The confrontation — the most intense exchange between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in 50 years — ended on May 10 following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
